#just know that the areas are actually bigger than what the map shows (the kelp forest stretches on for way longer than what's on the map)

[zestyderg]

Whoa, a map of the location of the mer au!

The shallow half and deeper half are separated by a steep cliff, represented by the thick black line.

The coral reef is the most colorful biome, sporting a beautiful variety of coral, and is abundant in fish for pups to hunt. During the day it is relatively safe for pups, as long as they don't stick their hands where they can't see them. The eels here can deliver nasty bites, and mantis shrimp do not hesitate to take a swing at anyone who dares provoke them. At night though, the reef sharks come out to hunt. While individuals aren't likely to go after pups, packs certainly will, so best not to stick around when the sun goes down.

The seagrass meadow is open, vast, and as the name suggests, lush with seagrass. Large fish will occasionally visit this place to hunt, including sharks, so exhibit caution when exploring. Passing dewgongs and sea turtles are a rarer sight, coming to eat seagrass. They do not pose much of a threat to pups. Stingrays hide in the sand while seahorses hide in the vegetation. Scatterly spends his days eating away at the seagrass, much like the animal he mimics.

The kelp forest is like a labyrinth. It is dense with its signature kelp, filled with small fish to eat and many sea urchins that, if one can get past their defenses, make excellent snacks. This makes it alluring for mer pups to visit, but once inside it becomes increasingly difficult to navigate, and it is very easy to get lost. Best for pups to stay on the outskirts, so they don't lose their way. The shark trio often hunt on the outskirts of the forest, seeking out the seals and sea lions that feed here.

The mer nursery is a sandy clearing bordered by both the reef and the meadow, and as it is usually guarded by the shark trio, it is considered one the safest places for pups to live.

Beyond the reef is the dune spires. At first it seems desolate, with the sandy dunes sporting only sparse patches of coral and the occasional crustacean, but small fish and even squid congregate here, often using the massive rocks that jut out of the sand like towers as shelter from predators. It's dark, and the waters here are far colder. Sharks, whales, and giant squid frequent these areas to hunt, even though they put themselves at major risk by doing so. The dune spires are Joe's turf, and the massive leviathan is one of the most dangerous beings in the region. He is luckily kind and very gentle with pups, which makes him an excellent babysitter.

The bone fields is a hostile place, and pups should steer clear of it whenever possible. Visibility is low, the water is even colder here than in the dune spires, so cold that pups risk freezing to death if they they stay there for too long. Bones litter the whole area, of both animal and mer alike. This place isn't a total wasteland, though. Many scavengers thrive here, especially invertebrates like isopods, crabs, lobsters, many kinds of worms, and more. Sleeper sharks and octopuses are also common here. This place is Zongazonga's domain, and he rules with an iron fist. A behemoth of a kraken mer, he is known for his ruthlessness and cannibalistic tendencies. Any mer with a shred of self preservation avoids the bone fields and pups absolutely should never be allowed to venture here.